Tuning Peg Sizes

[smtp4me]

I have a bass with 1/2 inch tuning pegs that fit into 11/16 holes in the headstock - from the factory.

I want to swap the factory parts with the lightest weight tuners that I know of - Gotoh GB350 Res-o-lites (~40 grams each). I already have them in another bass and really like them.
GB350 - G-GOTOH

Problem: The Gotos only come in 3/8 inch shafts for 9/16 holes - not 1/2 inch for 11/16 holes. The ferrules are threaded and screw onto the threaded shafts from the front.

Question: Does anyone sell an adapter/ring/spacer that would go in the tuning peg hole first to occupy the difference in spacing (about 1/8 inch)? In other words, a ring or spacer that fits the 11/16 hole and has an 9/16 opening in the middle for the Gotoh tuners and ferrules to fit through?

 

[Phreaky Phriday]

If you go hipshot ultralight, they sell adaptor spacers. Really good chance their adaptor sizes include something you need, and i think you can just get the adapters

 

[Thud Staff]

Well, here’s a suggestion, which some may bristle at: in the past, I mounted GB350’s in the existing ferrule. Just forego the provided washer from Gotoh, and install the tuner as usual.

When it was strung up, you couldn’t really tell the difference. Unless, I was pointing it out to someone ‘hey, check out what I did…’

No weird off-center post alignment, strings path/pull looked normal from the front of headstock, etc.

- YMMV

 

[smtp4me]

If you go hipshot ultralight, they sell adaptor spacers. Really good chance their adaptor sizes include something you need, and i think you can just get the adapters

Just checked Hipshot's website. They are in the "bass misc." category, which I missed. And... only $4 each. Thanks!!

 

[smtp4me]

Well, here’s a suggestion, which some may bristle at: in the past, I mounted GB350’s in the existing ferrule. Just forego the provided washer from Gotoh, and install the tuner as usual.

When it was strung up, you couldn’t really tell the difference. Unless, I was pointing it out to someone ‘hey, check out what I did…’

No weird off-center post alignment, strings path/pull looked normal from the front of headstock, etc.

- YMMV

I am checking with Hipshot customer service now, to confirm if the suggested inserts from Phreaky Phriday will work. Putting the smaller GB350s in the larger hole works (as it did for you) - I guess I'm just a little hesitant to have the extra 1/8 gap between the two, especially with string tension. But still an option!

 

[Thud Staff]

I am checking with Hipshot customer service now, to confirm if the suggested inserts from Phreaky Phriday will work. Putting the smaller GB350s in the larger hole works (as it did for you) - I guess I'm just a little hesitant to have the extra 1/8 gap between the two, especially with string tension. But still an option!

Sorry, I was making an assumption it’s a ‘Fender style’ bass tuner you are replacing. Actually, I meant leave the existing ferrules in the headstock as a bushing/spacer, and install the GB’s as normal.

However, Hipshot’s make it a no brainer with their tuners and adapter bushings. My suggestion was, if you prefer/were set on the GB’s and not Hipshot.

 

[smtp4me]

Sorry, I was making an assumption it’s a ‘Fender style’ bass tuner you are replacing. Actually, I meant leave the existing ferrules in the headstock as a bushing/spacer, and install the GB’s as normal.

However, Hipshot’s make it a no brainer with their tuners and adapter bushings. My suggestion was, if you prefer/were set on the GB’s and not Hipshot.

Understood. I have a G&L LB-100 bass, and I'm not sure how much space exists inside the existing ferrules - e.g. will there be enough for the GB tuners. The ferrules in my existing GB350 tuners (on the other bass) are threaded and so are the tuning peg shafts. The G&L ferrules are not threaded - so I would need enough room for the one to fit inside the other.

I was hoping the Hipshot bushings would fill the space if I remove the factory ferrules. I'm beginning to wonder if household copper pipe might work. 1/2 inch copper pipe has an outer diameter of 5/8, which is 10/16 and the holes on the G&L are 11/16. The idea would be that I put a piece of copper pipe in the holes and then the Gotoh tuners and threaded ferrules go inside the pipe.

 

[GretschWretch]

I have faced this with unknown tuners whose ferrules are a bit too small for the holes. I just take some of that white nylon plumber's tape and wrap enough of it around the ferrule shaft to achieve a snug fit in the hole. Everything gets anchored and stays centered.

 

[smtp4me]

I have faced this with unknown tuners whose ferrules are a bit too small for the holes. I just take some of that white nylon plumber's tape and wrap enough of it around the ferrule shaft to achieve a snug fit in the hole. Everything gets anchored and stays centered.

Great idea!